Romsey’s mayor has slammed borough highway chiefs for installing modern signage on the town’s Tourist Information Centre. The signs point the way to Test Valley’s new customer services department at the old Magistrates Court, just across the road.

Councillor Mark Cooper says there is already a a “plethora of other larger signs” around the town directing motorists to the building.

“There is a very strong wish among both my council colleagues and my Romsey and District Society colleagues to de-clutter our town centre. The rash of new signs hardly sets a good example to the private sector,” said the town mayor.

He added that once it becomes common knowledge that the old magistrates’ court is the new home of TVBC, the signs should be taken down.

A TVBC spokesman said: “Two signs have been placed on the side elevations of the tourist information centre which is not a listed building, to show motorists the turning (Church Place) to reach the car park (off Church Road) serving the council’s new offices.

“Careful consideration was given to the most appropriate location for the signs to aid motorists, while minimising the impact on the street scene. Other options, such as new pole-mounted signs at the junction of Church Street and Church Place, were considered more intrusive.”